The College of Central Florida will hold its spring 2014 commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, at First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 S.E. Maricamp Road. Tickets are not required; however, a large crowd is expected and parking will be limited. Carpooling is encouraged.
The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Sindy Schneider, class of 1993, who is co-owner of Dance 411 Studios and 411 Productions in Atlanta, which co-produces televised shows for Bravo TV, MTV, Lifetime and NBC.
Cynthia O’Connell, secretary of the Florida Lottery, will deliver the commencement address.
For more information, visit www.CF.edu, call the Ocala Campus at 352-854-2322, ext. 1391 or ext. 1739; Citrus Campus at 352-746-6721; or Levy Center at 352-493-9533.

Hawaiian Luau planned

The Kingdom of the Sun (KOS) Chapter of the Military Officers Assoication of America will hold a traditional “Hawaiian Luau” on Friday, May 9, at Palm Grove at Oak Run, Royal Oaks Golf Club. A buffet dinner will be provided; and the Sala’s South Seas Revue and Show will be the main feature of the evening.
The music for dancing will be provided by a DJ. You are asked to dress in your best Hawaiian outfit.
The cost is $30 per person, and the proceeds will support the annual “Stuff-the Bus” program for Marion County.
For more information and reservations, please contact Suzanne or Bud Smith at 352-620-0340 or suzannesmith2@cox.net. Please submit your reservations by April 15.

Forum to discuss pipeline

The proposed Sabal Trail natural gas pipeline scheduled to run through western Marion County for end-user FPL. Do we even need it?
Marion County Commissioner Stan McClain, Sierra Club activist Whitey Markle and Williston attorney Beth Gordon will discuss this issue when the May 9 Friday Forum of Marion County explores the environmental and property rights ramifications of the pipeline planned to run from Alabama through Georgia and western Marion County south to Osceola County. Invitations have also been extended to State Senator Charlie Dean and Dunnellon Mayor Nathan Whitt. Barbara Schwartz, secretary of the Silver Springs Alliance, will moderate.
The nonpartisan speaker/ luncheon group gathers on the second Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at Buffet City, State Road 200 at MLK Jr. Blvd. in Ocala. The $10 charge, payable directly to the restaurant, includes the buffet, tax, tip and a drink.
Please email FridayForumofMarionCounty@gmail.com or telephone Jan Lentz (352-425-6219) or Delphine Herbert (352-873-9970) to RSVP or for more information.
Spaghetti supper at Peace

Enjoy a spaghetti supper at Peace Lutheran Church from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 9. The menu consists of spaghetti with sausage or meat balls, salad, dessert, and beverage. Tickets are $7 at the door.
To purchase tickets in advance, through Thursday, May 8, call Jim at (313) 354-3270 or Bud at (352) 527-9790 or email peacelutheran.dunnellon@gmail.com.
Peace Lutheran, “The Church on the Hill,” is at 7201 U.S. Highway 41 S., north of Dunnellon. Members look forward to serving you and your family.
For more information see www.PeaceLutheranOnline.com or look for Peace Lutheran on Facebook.

Saturday, May 10

Ceremony for military deployment

Join military leaders, families and community members to support the 351st Military Police (Combat Support) Company, which is set to be deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, and will be held at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park (2601 E. Fort King St., Ocala).
The ceremony will include music by the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Pipes and Drums group, a presentation of colors by the a high school ROTC and remarks from the unit commander, among others.
For more information, contact Jeffrey Askew, County Veterans Services director, at 352-671-8422.

Letter carriers collect food

On May 10, your letter carrier will be accepting donations to our area food banks. It is easy to help. Simply hang your donation from your mailbox and your mail carrier will pick it up.
Area food banks are trying to stock up for one of the busiest times of the year. School will soon be over and many children are going to be home for lunch. For many families the only source for lunch is your local food bank. Marion County has been very generous in the past. We have been No. 1 in our classification for five years in a row. Mail carriers have picked up over 1.5 million pounds. Interfaith Services is used as a distributor to other agencies such as Brothers Keeper and Salvation Army along with many others.

African Violet show, sale

The African Violet Club of Ocala will present its annual show and sale on Saturday, May 10, at the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, 3105 NE 14th St., Ocala.
Admission is free to this juried show. Plant sales are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the show open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more info http://www.AfricanVioletClubofOcala.org or Carolee Carter (H) 352-237-3308 (C) 352-342-0363 or caroleeviolets@gmail.com.

Health Fair scheduled

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County invites Marion County residents and visitors to the Passport to Health community health fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala. Admission is free.
More than 40 health and community support agencies will provide information and activities at the health fair, in addition to health department activities and services, including:
Blood pressure, glucose, vision and hearing screening
Fun walk
Childhood immunizations
Prize drawings and games
Rapid HIV tests
Clowns and face painting
Activities for children and displays of fire, rescue and emergency management equipment will make the event enjoyable for people of all ages.
For information on the Passport to Health community health fair call the Department at 352-629-0137.
The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Methodist Men serve breakfast

Ocala West United Methodist Men’s Fellowship will again sponsor its community-wide breakfast. All you care to eat $4.99 plus a Girl Scout bake sale on Saturday, May 10 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
The church is at 9330 S.W. 105th St., Ocala. Phone 352-854-9550.

Sunday, May 11

Civic Chorale concert

For 27 years the dedicated musicians of The Marion Civic Chorale have brought to Marion County a wide repertoire of classical and popular music. For our 2014 Spring concert, Matthew Bumbach, MCC Conductor and Director of Vocal Studies, College of Central Florida, presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, with guest soloists and pianist Ricky Hendrix. The Civic Chorale’s concert balances the sacred music of the classical era with the lighthearted beauty of traditional American songs. Mozart wrote the Mass in C major (1779) simply as a short Ordinary of the mass; it later acquired its Coronation title when it was performed at the 1791 coronation of Leopold II, King of Bohemia. Copland’s Old American Songs, originally set for solo voices, maintains its fun nature in this re-orchestration for choir. The local performance will be Sunday, May 11, at Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 State Road 200, at 3 p.m.
Other performances are Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at St. George Anglican Cathedral and Saturday, May10, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Monday, May 12

Tea Party to meet

The Marion County Tea Party meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at The First Love Church, 2529 N. Magnolia Ave. The main speakers on May 12 will be Jamie Bevan, candidate for School Board District 4, and Dennis Baxley, state representative 23rd district.

Retired nurses to meet

The Citrus Marion Chapter of Registered Nurses Retired (RNR) will meet on May 12 at West Marion Medical Bldg. in Ocala. Sign-in begins at 11 a.m. with lunch and meeting to follow. Speaker will be Dr. Jose Gaudier, Neurologist, who will speak on Multiple Sclerosis Updates. The charity will be PACE, beauty products for young women are needed. All retired or semi-retired RN’s who wish to attend please call Mary Jane at 352-726-6882 or Gladys at 352-854-2677 by May 4 for reservations.

Tuesday, May 13

Hospice caregiver group

Join Transitions for a caregiver support group on May 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The Elliott Center at 3231 SW 34th Ave. Ocala.
This event helps caregivers learn to cope with emotional issues related to caring for a loved one. Learn what’s available and how to go about accessing the help you need. Bring all your questions. Discover options – find solutions.
Bring a bag lunch; coffee and dessert will be provided. Seating is limited, but you’re encouraged to bring a friend. Is there a topic you would like to see discussed? Please let us know! Call 352-854-5200.

Car show at Hawthorne Estates

A Back to the 50s Classic Car Show will take place on Tuesday, May 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hawthorne Estates Retirement Apartments, 3211 SW 42nd St. Ocala. Please call 3520237-7776 for more information.

Mac users to meet

Ocala Macintosh User Group will meet on Tuesday, May 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Bob Adams will be demonstrating how to use GarageBand to create our own music. His presentation will be followed by Tech Tips, Q & A’s, and the monthly raffle. Meetings are held in the St. George Anglican Cathedral Parish Hall, 5646 SE 28th St., Ocala. Visitors are always welcome. Check out our website at http://ocalamug.org to learn more about the group.

Thursday, May 15

College Road brain health seminar

College Road Baptist Church will offer seminars, through the summer months, on various subjects relating to health and community.
The first program is May 15, and we will discuss brain health. Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented? It will be presented by Chambrel, a Brookdale community. Everyone is invited, bring your friends and relatives. Coffee and dessert will be provided, 1 p.m. at
5010 SW College Road (State Road 200), phone 352-237-5741.

Air Force group to meet

The monthly meeting of the Red Tail Memorial Chapter 136 of the Air Force Association (AFA) will be held on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Ocala International Airport, Administration Building 750 SW 60th Ave., Ocala.
For more information contact Mike Emig at 352-854-8328.

Friday, May 16

Two-day Spruce Creek North sale

Spruce Creek North will hold its community garage sale on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at 11040 SW 64th Ave. The public is invited.

Ocala High Twelve meeting

The Greater Ocala High Twelve Club 665 will hold its monthly meeting on Friday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at the Elks Club, 702 N.E. 25th Ave., Ocala.
We are honored to once again have Pat Gabriel as our speaker. We will be brought up to date on what is happening and what is about to happen in Marion County. So bring any questions you might have. Pat knows Marion County better than just about anyone.
Again we will feast on another great buffet meals the Elks Club are noted for. Cost is only $12 per person.
All Master Masons in good standing in a Masonic Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Florida, and their guests are invited to attend.
Reservations are required. Call: Bob Brady at 352-854-9612 for reservations or further information.

The Circle of French Friends

Le Cercle Des Amis Français meets on the third Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Marion County Sheriff’s Office Community Conference Room, 9048 Highway 200, about ¼ mile from Walmart. The next meeting is May 16.
The club promotes all things French: language, culture and fun. You do not have to be a fluent speaker to join the group.
Guests are welcome at any meeting. Call Marie McNeil at 352-509-4940 for more information.

Saturday, May 17

Church of the Advent tea party

The Episcopal Church of the Advent will be hosting a tea party with the theme centered around the murder mystery play “Murder at the Earl of Grey’s Hound Manor.” Food offerings will include tea sandwiches, sweet desserts and scones with Devonshire cream and jelly. Tea will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. The ticket cost is $10. Our church is at 11251 SW Highway 484 (across from the firehouse). To reserve your ticket, please call the church’s office at 352-465-7272.

Book sale to take place

A book sale to benefit the Animal Charity Food Bank will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Winn-Dixie, 8445 SW Highway 200, Ocala. The sale will feature new books. Also, bring your aluminum cans and any sewing fabrics.

Mark Bishop in concert

Award-winning singer and songwriter Mark Bishop has ministered to and entertained audiences throughout the United States and Canada. He will be in concert on Saturday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m.
He has written ten Top 10 songs including “Reach the World,” “When Jesus is All That I Have” and “You Can’t Ask Too Much of My God,” named song of the year by the Southern Gospel Music Songwriter’s Association.
Formerly of The Bishops, now on his own since the group retired, audiences have discovered that Mark’s music is more relevant and anointed than ever.

Christ’s Church Of Marion County, 6768 SW 80th St. (off SR 200), Ocala, 352-861-6182 or http://www.ccomc.org/.

River Jordan concert

The River Jordan Quartet will be in concert at the Ocala West United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 17, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. River Jordan sings a pure Southern Gospel Quartet sound, low bass, high tenor and smooth dynamic harmony. You need to be at Ocala West for a wonderful evening of music. The church is at 9330 SW 105th St. in Ocala. Phone 854-9550.

Sunday, May 18

Jazz Society to perform

The Ocala Jazz Society will be performing on Sunday, May 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 4781 across from Oak Run.
The band performs on the third Sunday of each month, and plays a variety of music including jazz, Big Band, Dixieland and songs from the past. There is a $3 donation for Hospice. For information, call 352-237-0234.

Shoes for the children

Joy Lutheran Church is hosting two fundraisers to purchase new shoes for the homeless children of Marion County. The first was an ice cream social on April 26. There was great entertainment, tasty ice cream and a wide assortment of toppings and goodies. The Cherrywood Songbirds presented a program of wonderful music. They donated their time as well as contributing to the cause.
The second fundraiser will be a Bunco party on May 18 at 3 p.m. This is another fun afternoon with lots of laughs and fellowship. You do not have to have played before. You will be an expert after the first round. It is a great way to get to know people, as you change tables and partners. A Lutheran Thrivent Hands-On-Care in Communities fund has provided the amount of $1,000 toward the purchase of the children’s shoes. In the past this event has bought as many as 200 pair in one year. With your support we hope to do that well this year. There will be a free-will offering basket at the door. Each player is asked to bring a White Elephant item for the prize table.
This event is open to the public, so bring your friends and neighbors and support a good cause.
Joy Lutheran Church is at 7045 SW 83rd Place at State Road 200, Ocala. For more information call 352-854-4509 ext. 221.

Monday, May 19

Legion post to meet

The Ralph J Green American Legion Post 354 will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, May 19 at 1 p.m. in the community room of the Sheriff’s Brian Litz Building, 9048 SW State Road 200. Try to arrive early to enjoy light refreshments and comradeship with fellow veterans. For more information, telephone Commander Jerry Cassatt 352-322-5966.

Friday, May 23

Two-day Buddy Poppy event

VFW Post 4781 will be handing out Buddy Poppies on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, at Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Gander Mountain, Lowe’s,Winn Dixie, Big Lots and I-Hop.
The Buddy Poppy is assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals. Proceeds from Buddy Poppy drive are used for aid, relief and comfort of needy veterans and members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.

Saturday, May 24

Lions Club yard sale

The Ocala 200 Lions Club is having a yard sale at the Bank of the Ozarks, Saturday, May 24 in the Friendship Plaza on State Road 200 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limited space rental is available for $15 and you must provide your own table. Food will also be available for purchase. Call Lion Bob Melnick at 352-861-2730 or Lion Ralph Mills at 352-427-1217.

Low budget travel across U.S.

Jane Weber, a local columnist for the Citrus County Chronicle and global traveler, will give a slide show presentation about low budget travel across the U.S. at a program at the Dunnellon Public Libraary, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon, on Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m.
She has traveled to 60 countries, holds three passports and has lots of great information to share. This timely program will offer many useful tips and advice to assist you with planning summer vacation travel across the United States.
Jane is also a professional gardener, grower, consultant, designer and environmentalist. She is a valuable Friend of the Dunnellon Public Library and is currently involved with redesigning a portion of the landscape maintained by the Friends.
This event is free to the public.

Saturday, June 7

Calling golfers for Veterans Open

The Cherrywood Veterans Club will hold its annual Veterans Open at the Ocala Palms Golf and Country Club on Saturday, June 7.
Men and women are welcome to enjoy breakfast, lunch, 18 holes of golf with cart, prizes, silent auction and more for $50 per player.
Contact Rich Hurley, 352-873-7208 or John Everlove at 352-509-4428 to register or sponsor this tournament.

Tuesday, June 10

Luau to benefit Hospice

The Ocala Dance Club, CardioWaltz and The Institute for Cardio Excellence are hosting a Luau to benefit Hospice of Marion County on Tuesday, June 10, from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Mark’s Methodist Church (1839 NE 8th Ave., Ocala).
The event features dance exhibitions, open dancing, prizes and raffles, a dinner buffet and table seating. Attire is Hawaiian shirts for men and floral dresses for ladies. General admission tickets are $25/person, which includes dinner and beverages.
Seating is limited to 90 people. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Tables for six or eight persons with reserved seating are available for purchase in advance. To purchase individual tickets in advance, include full name, address, & phone number and mail check payable to The Ocala Dance Club, 2108 NE 50th Street, Ocala, FL 34479.
All proceeds support Hospice of Marion County patient care programs. For additional information call Dennis Rose at 352-425-0500.

Wednesday, July 9

CERT training to start

A new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training will begin Wednesday, July 9, and continue through Aug. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 692 NW 30th Ave., Ocala. The next training session will begin Oct. 9.
The CERT program helps to prepare participants how to take care of themselves during a disaster. This six-week course will offer training on disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations and more.
Once trained, participants have the opportunity to join their local neighborhood team that will assist first responders during a disaster. CERT Teams assist by assessing their community and providing basic medical treatment to those in need and report all the information to Emergency Management.
The CERT Program is offered by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Emergency Management and is a free training to all who are interested. Early applications are important as the class fills up quickly.
For more information and for an application,
contact Emergency Management at 352-369-8100 or e-mail MarionCERT@marionso.com.